THE INDIAN FESTIVAL OF FEATURES AND NON-FEATURES For JOHN ABRAHAM NATIONAL AWARDS

From this year onwards, SIGNS will be THE INDIAN FESTIVAL OF FEATURES AND NON-FEATURES, showcasing the best among independent, experimental and innovative attempts in film/ Video media from India.
SIGNS includes a national level competition for feature films. Films made in any format - video, digital or film - are eligible to participate in the competition. Apart from awards for categories like the best feature, short feature, non- feature and cinema of resistance, there will be another award for the best experimental work - cinema experimenta - from this year. The last two awards are irrespective of the category.
One of the prestigious gallery sections of the festival will be dedicated to video art from India and abroad.
SIGNS also showcases selected animation films, advertisements and spot films in different gallery sections.

Awards
1. Best Feature
(Duration 70 minutes or above)
Prize money: Rs 1 lakh

2. Best Documentary
Prize money: Rs 25,000/-

3. Best Short Feature
(Duration less than 70 minutes)
Prize money: Rs 25,000/-



4. " Cinema of Resistance"

(Award for the best film/video on subjects like state oppression, human rights violation, environmental issues
or any other matter that suppresses the human spirit, especially in the areas
Like gender equality, social/cultural identity etc)
Prize money : Rs25,000/-

5.the best experimental work – "cinema experimenta"
(Award for the best experimental attempt that expands the horizons of the medium, both aesthetically and technically.)
Prize money: Rs25, 000/-

All awards carry a Certificate of Merit and a memento.

Eligibility

All Features made after 1st Jan 2008 and
non features /short features made after 1st January 2007

Films submitted for previous editions of SIGNS/ JA awards are not eligible.

Duration:
70 minutes or above for features,
less than 70 minutes for Short Features and
no time limit for documentaries.

Language: Any language with English subtitle or dubbed in English.


Dateline

Last date for submission of applications : 5th JANUARY 2009
(along with a DVD copy and entry fee of Rs.2000/- for features and
Rs.500/-for non/ short features)

Intimation of selection : 20th JANUARY 2009

Final submission of selected films : 5th February 2009

Selection procedure
A preview committee of filmmakers, critics and technicians will short-list the entries, for screening before the award Jury.
Besides the films chosen for the Competition section, selected films will be screened in Focus, the non-Competitive section.

Format for final submission
The films must be submitted in DV/Mini DV or 35mm format.

How to Apply
Application forms are available from:

Federation of Film Societies of India.
Kalabhavan, Vazhuthacaud
Thiruvananthapuram – 695 014, Keralam.
E-mail :
or can be downloaded from www.ffsikeralam.org

Duly filled applications should reach the above address on or before
5th JANUARY 2009 accompanied by the following:

a. A copy of the film in DVD format
b. Necessary demand draft in favour of
Federation of Film Societies of India, payable at
Thiruvananthapuram. (Non refundable)
c. Brief synopsis of the film/documentary
d. Three stills from the film/documentary
e. Brief biography of the Director
f. Two photographs of the Director


more info can be had from
Federation of Film Societies of India
Kerala Sub Region
Kalabhavan, Vazhuthacad
Thiruvananthapuram.695014,Keralam.India
tel:0471 2321953, mob:+91 9446748294,
+91 9447401822,+91 9946089946.
www.ffsikeralam.org